Until your ducts are sanitized and cleaned, they will just recirculate odors and microbes. This is an especially pertinent danger here in Florida, where we have hot and humid weather. Moisture particles encourage mold growth and microbes, especially in HVAC ductwork, so keeping your indoor air dry is a good preventative measure. This prevents a moist environment where bacteria and spores can thrive and propagate.
Read on to learn more about how to remove microbes, mildew, and more from your ducts and improve your indoor air quality.
Other Ductwork Cleaning Considerations
It’s imperative to have a knowledgeable HVAC team work on your ductwork. While the main branches of your ducts are relatively durable and will hold up throughout the process of cleaning, there are other flexible areas that can become damaged. This could lead to a further decrease in indoor air quality and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
We will take great care when working on your ductwork, leaving your equipment as we found it. If we spot an issue with your ducting, we can provide repair options to rectify the problem. This can involve repairing small holes or gaps or even replacing large sections of ductwork that may be damaged.
You’ll need a ductwork cleaning every few years. You may schedule more frequent duct cleanings if you have pets or human household members who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Also, recently having construction work done in your home can generate a lot of dust that makes its way into your ductwork. You’ll need to have your ducts cleaned once the job is completed. This removes all the construction-related dust that builds up inside them while the work is being completed.
UV Lights for HVAC
UV lights are an excellent tool for targeting microorganisms in your system. Installed directly within the ductwork or near the evaporator coil, UV lights emit ultraviolet radiation that destroys the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, preventing them from reproducing. This solution works continuously to inhibit microbial growth and keeps the internal components of your system cleaner, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Non-UV Air Scrubbers
Air scrubbers are another powerful option for removing microbes and spores from your HVAC system. These advanced devices are installed within your ductwork and use a combination of filtration and purification technologies to cleanse the air. Many air scrubbers generate ions or molecules that actively eliminate contaminants like mold, bacteria, and allergens in the air and on surfaces throughout your home. Some systems also feature high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to capture smaller particles and further improve air quality.
Over time, dust and debris can build up, providing a breeding ground for spores and bacteria. Combining duct cleaning with the installation of UV lights and air scrubbers ensures your HVAC system operates at peak performance and delivers cleaner, healthier air.
Sealing Your Ducts
Another way to improve your indoor air quality is to have your ducts sealed. This process eliminates any heat loss or air flow into your ducts. You may see a reduction in your energy consumption and monthly utility bills after having your ducts sealed. This reduces the number of contaminants that are circulating in your indoor air and accumulating in your HVAC system. Products used for this process include mastic tape, liquid sealants that harden once cured, and insulation material.
If you would like to schedule ductwork cleaning in your Sarasota home, reach out to our team at AirNow Air Conditioning. We can walk you through the steps of having your ductwork cleaned. If you have concerns about potential microbial growth in your ducts, we will provide you with sanitization options. We also offer heating and cooling equipment maintenance, repair, and installation.
We do other things to help improve your indoor air quality as well, such as testing and installing whole-house purification equipment. We also offer insulation upgrades to improve the efficiency of your home and your indoor air quality. With cleaner indoor air you can experience less dust on surfaces as well as less frequent bouts of sickness, especially respiratory illnesses, along with better sleep and reduced allergy symptoms. This is even truer for children and the elderly, who are more sensitive to environmental pollutants that build up indoors.
To schedule an appointment in Sarasota or the surrounding areas or to learn more about us, get in touch with AirNow Air Conditioning today. We can help your family breathe cleaner, healthier air!
